Regard no one in the flesh

 2nd Corinthians 5:16-17

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

So what does it mean to no longer regard anyone according to the flesh? It simply means that status doesn't matter. Rich, poor, middle class, or somewhere in between. None of that matters. Who you were in the past. Whether you were a good guy, a bad guy, a mean guy, whatever. Once you have been born again, you are a new creation. Furthermore, it means, it doesn't matter whether you're male or female, what nationality you are, or what color your skin is. In speaking on this, it reminds me of...

Galatians 3:27 -29

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

To most Jewish folks hearing this, especially at that time, this would have been considered heresy! Absolute heresy. Blasphemy even. But it is 100% true. He makes quite a distinction here in this cluster of verses. And this is why Jews at that time would've been awfully upset. Because he says, if you are in Jesus, that new creation we just spoke about, you have become Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. What promise? The promise God made Abraham. In receiving Jesus, we have been grafted into that vine of the people of God, but we are not the people of God. We are children of God. 

Romans 8:16 -17

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Now, do you see that? I'm not telling you anything that's not scriptural. And I want to, more and more, as time permits, to lay down the scripture that refers to what I'm speaking of. Just for clarity, and for further, or future reference. 

So back to our original scripture of the day in 2nd Corinthians. In Jesus, we are new creations. Old things have passed away.  And all things have become new. This is speaking of the complete turnaround from following the flesh, to following the Spirit. The sanctification process begins as soon as we receive Jesus. And, like I've said before. If the only reason for your being born again, was so that you would go to heaven, you would've dropped dead instantly right after you received Jesus. Right? So, if you're still breathing, that means there's a purpose for you.  And we'll talk more about that tomorrow. Lord willing. As we're going to continue in this chapter in 2nd Corinthians for at least another day, maybe two days this week. So stay tuned, there's more to come. Y'all have a great day, and God bless. James